ONLINE: Daniel Defoe published "Robinson Crusoe" in 1719. He claimed it was a biography, and that “the Editor believes the thing to be a just History of Fact, neither is there any Appearance of Fiction in it.” Why did he claim the story was true when it wasn’t? In this lecture-based course, we will examine Defoe’s motives in writing what later was described as a literary masterpiece. Writing "Robinson Crusoe" was part of Defoe’s grand plan to develop North America and enrich England through trade. Trade required laborers to produce highly desired products from plantations. This labor force would come from two sources: English indentured servants and enslaved Africans. "Robinson Crusoe" was a blueprint to show the English middle and lower classes how to become rich in North America. The middle class would do so by becoming small planters, and the lower class by becoming servants. Africans would benefit by submitting themselves to English masters, as shown in the character of Friday. | Lecture + Q&A.
Max enrollment: 60.
Class sessions are recorded.
